Can I get help with my living expenses during my pregnancy in an Indiana adoption?

In Indiana, an expectant mother may receive money towards reasonable attorney’s fees, medical expenses, adoptions services, counseling expenses, living expenses, and travel expenses up to $4,000 without court approval. The court may approve payment over $4,000 if failure to make the payment may jeopardize the health of the child.

Ind. Code. § 35-46-9-1 (2019) 

Will I be offered my own Indiana adoption lawyer?

This issue is not addressed under Indiana law, but you still need to make sure you have your own attorney paid for by the agency or adoptive parents. Any family you choose from AdoptMatch will make sure you have your own attorney.

How does Open Adoption work in Indiana?

A postadoption contact agreement may be formed upon the agreement of the parents and adoptive parents. Failure to comply with the agreement does not invalidate consent to adoption, but biological parents have a right to seek enforcement of the privileges agreed upon. If the child is under two years old the court approval is not necessary to create the agreement, but the agreement may not include visitation, is not enforceable, and does not have to be in writing. A court may grant a postadoption contact agreement if the court finds it is in the best interest of the child, the child is over two years old and has a significant bond with the birth parent, the adoptive parents consent, and consent is obtained from the child if they are over twelve years old. A birth parent or adoptive parent may file a petition to modify the agreement and the court will determine whether it is in the best interest of the child.

Ind. Code. §§ 31-19-16, 31-19-16.5 (2019)

Click here for a map showing which states enforce open adoption agreements.

How does the legal process for adoption work in Indiana?

The consent to adoption may be executed at any time after the birth of the child, either in the presence of the court, a notary public or other person authorized to take acknowledgments, or an authorized agent of the department, or a licensed child placing agency.

Ind. Code. § 31-19-9-2 (2019)

How long will I have to change my mind about adoption in Indiana?

Consent may be withdrawn if revocation is made within thirty days of signing and the court finds the withdrawal is in the best interest of the child.

Ind. Code. § 31-19-10-3(a-b) (2019)